[at-l] Hiking -- A Trip Report

[Bror8588 at aol.com (Bror8588@aol.com)]

Friday (10/29) an invitation to join some friends in Harriman Park for a day 
of hiking resulted in a six hour walk in woods to see the Autumn foliage.  I 
took lots of pictures with my digital camera but still have things to learn 
about that medium as only two "developed" into records of my trek.  Still, two is 
better than none.

Because the day was cloudy and overcast with clouds hanging low in the sky no 
long distance views were available.  Those are usually the highlights of a 
hike in Harriman State Park.  Instead, the hike on the Long Path and the AT gave 
woodland views that were much appreciated.  The open views through the 
Hemlock trees showed scenes deep into the woods.  Farther along scenes of a future 
Meadow, with present golden fronds waving in the breeze were delicious to 
behold.  My eyes feasted on the woodland scenes that are often unappreciated 
because the focus has been on the long distance vistas on knobs and mountain tops.  

The five of us ate lunch at "Times Square" and later enjoyed dinner at The 
Bear Mountain Inn to recap the day.  Other hikers were on the trails but the day 
was experienced without the busy-ness of trails in Harriman on a weekend day. 
 The treacherous trail was made more so by the covering of fallen leaves 
which obscured the rocky paths.  My hiking stick saved me from nasty falls 
throughout the day.  

The Appalachian Trail was walked on at times during the day and it was noted 
(in my heart) that so many others had hiked the same path that I was walking 
on.  At the end of the day on top of Bear Mountain where the indicators pointed 
North and South I thought of others, whose journals I have read, who passed 
that point in previous years as well as this current one.  My own 
accomplishment along the trail is minuscule, and I can only look up to the heroes who put 
one foot in front of the other with ailments and hardship encountered by them 
not blocking their onward progress, until they reached their goal.  There is 
something significant in standing on a spot where others have stood in times past

Lessons Learned:  1)  Appreciate the woodland views, even if there are vistas 
that dazzle, on future hikes.  They are unique and change daily as leaves 
turn from color to color and fall to the ground.  As leaves carpet the ground the 
views through the woods opens, exposing greater distance and interesting 
sights. 2) Batteries are cheap and provide a means for pictures to adhere to the 
electronic "insides" of a camera, so that would have provided me with a record 
of views that will not wait until next time. Each day the views change and 
though the scenes remain in my brain it would be nice to share them with friends 
back home.  3) While I enjoy hiking alone it is good to be with friends for a 
day on the trail and share the experience of the day in ongoing conversation 
and shared silence.  4)  The threat of rain is like smoke and mirrors that may 
hide an opportunity for joyful occupation.  Even if rain materialized the 
hiking would have been enjoyed as long as preparation was made.  Fortunately, the 
day did not produce rain on paths we walked but even if it did, the walking 
was there to be enjoyed; however, I will remember to pack my poncho for 
protection on future hikes. 

Jack W (NYC) also known as Skylander